Driven both...the 3 is TWICE the car.

 

Plus it's a fucking Mazda

So what happened to getting the wife a TSX, you have been talking about that for over a year? Just spend a few grand more.

 

Consumer Reports

Mazda3
Road test
Tested model: 2004 i sedan, 2.0-liter Four, 4-speed automatic
Tested tires: Toyo Proxes A05, size P205/55R16 89H
Highs: Handling, slick manual shifter, fuel economy, interior quality, turning circle.
Lows: Road noise, small trunk.

The Mazda3 is among the most well-rounded models in the small car category. It is quieter, rides more comfortably, and is more agile and fuel efficient than the model's predecessor, the Protege. Moreover, it returned very impressive fuel economy, especially for a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. The Madza3's very good interior quality stands out in a category where many vehicles are cheaply finished. However, rear-seat room and trunk space are relatively tight.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The Mazda3 rides well for a small car. Impacts are muted, yet firm. Ride motions are well-controlled, though abrupt at times. The highway ride is very steady. Road noise is a bit pronounced on coarse pavement. A tight 36-foot turning circle helps in parking maneuvers. Agile handling gives the Mazda3 a sporty feel, and it corners with little body lean. Steering is quick but provides less feedback than that some competing models. On our handling course, the Mazda was stable and predictable at its limits. It posted a commendable speed through our avoidance maneuver, though the rear end tended to slide out. The lively 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivered excellent fuel efficiency and quick acceleration. Expect 27 mpg overall with the smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Overall braking performance was very good. Headlight performance was average.

INSIDE THE CABIN

The interior is assembled well and nicely detailed. The seating position provides a good forward view, but the high decklid impairs the rear view. The manually adjustable front seats are firm and supportive. The rear seat is comfortable for two adults only. Head and leg room are adequate for a six-footer. Front access is good, but rear access is a bit more difficult. The well-appointed gauges and controls are reminiscent of more expensive cars. With the exception of the power-mirror control, all are lighted at night. The recessed ignition switch and the confusing placement of the audio volume knob are minor complaints. Interior storage space is generous. There are two sturdy cup holders in the front, but none in the rear. All doors feature a molded bottle holder. The 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to expand the small trunk.

SAFETY NOTES

Required front dual-stage air bags can be supplemented with an an extra-cost package that includes antilock brakes, seat-mounted side air bags, and head-protection, curtain-style air bags that protect both front and rear occupants. The driver's air bag has a seat position sensor that can reduce the deployment force of the air bag if the seat is adjusted far forward. The front passenger air bag and side air bag and belt pretensioner deactivates with a weight of less than 66 pounds. All occupants have three-point belts; the front seat belts also have height-adjustable anchors, pretensioners and force limiters. All outboard seating positions have adjustable, locking head restraints that provide adequate whiplash protection, even when fully lowered. The center rear seat lacks a head restraint, and the seatback is too low to provide adequate whiplash protection. Driving with kids: Rear-facing child seats can be difficult to install securely due to excessive side-to-side tilt. The contoured center rear seatback complicates seat installation. Most forward-facing child seats should fit fine. Three easy-to-use tether anchors are mounted on the rear package shelf. None of the seat belts has a label detailing how to activate the locking retractor for securing child seats. A set of LATCH anchors is located in each outboard seating location. It takes some effort to compress the seat cushion enough to free access to the anchors. The manual states that you can install a child seat in the center between anchor sets; the ability to properly secure a seat in this position varies with the seat's design. The Mazda3 has horizontal lever window switches that effectively mitigate the risk of accidental entrapment in the window.

RELIABILITY

We expect reliability to be much better than average, according to our latest subscriber survey.

 

How about a Mini? Cute as a button and even smaller.

 

Looked at a couple of mazda dealer sites. Man you can get an amazing deal on a mazda 6 right now. Saw a bunch of the 2004 listed at msrp of 27k and they were asking 20k for them

Damn that is a deal.

 

she likes the 3 better.

 

 

How about a FWD audi a4?

The new ones just hit the dealers, so maybe you can get a 05 for cheap.

 

I'd go with a used TSX , a Mini, or a Scion TC or even Xb for about the same money. Have you thought about getting a used TL-S?

Also for ~ $23K you could get a two year old Cadillac STS coming off lease. A completely different type of car than a 5 door Mazda 3 but I doubt she'd complain.

 

Alot of options out there I know...but I think she has her heart set.

 

If a woman is set on something in her heart, then there's probably nothing else a man can do.

Despite all the facts stating that Lexus (ES330) and Acura (TL) is superior in quality, my wife is set on a BMW (325i) or MB (C240) being her next car.

 

Shes a smart woman

 

well...we went to the dealer yesterday. And there was actually better lease rates on the 2005 Mazda 6. So we got the 6! 5 Speed...fun car to drive and teh wifey is very happy.

Pics later today.

 

Congrats

 

Congrats Bill. I personally think the Mazda 6 is the best looking mid size family sedan out there. BTW, is it a 6i or 6s? (just curious)

 

of wife?

 

Oh and congrats! Nice choice, i like the 6 also!

 

(6I) sorry didn't do the pics yet....It is a nice car for the $$$ though.

 

what is she going to drive when the car is in the shop?
i would take the tl anyday. of course if you just wanted the badge...

 

No doubt. I just saw a sharp looking Lapis Blue Metallic 6i this morning on the road that parallels my commuter train. It's definitely a looker and I cant wait to test drive the Mazdaspeed version.

Loaner and yes, she's sold on the badge.

 

its a great car and the best in the small car segment right now IMO.

The current Civic is bad, the 2006 will HOPEFULLY, be a step forward and not a step backward like the 7th gens. Though thats another 6 months away before the '06 comes out.

The Mazda 3 I recommend!

 

Yea..I like it too! The Mazdaspeed version is supposed to be UBER FAST..

 

Congrats on the 6, but where are teh pics mang?

 

How much hp does the Mazdaspeed version of the 6 put out?

 

274HP according to Mazda.